Borbon, FMart could shake up Astros’ outfield and some off-day either/or

The good news is that the Astros won’t face Oakland for another five weeks. The bad news is that between now and then, Houston will play the Tigers, Yankees and Angels.

With a day off Thursday to catch their collective breaths and just 15 games into the season, many fans might suggest an overhaul of the roster is due. But with a few signs of life — yes, there are some hints — perhaps tweaks are more likely than wholesale changes.

Here are some things to keep an eye on as Houston welcomes another first-timer to Minute Maid Park to play an American League game.

Julio Borbon. The Rangers placed the outfielder on waivers Wednesday and it wouldn’t be shocking if the Astros picked him up. At 27, Borbon is a former first rounder — yes, another one — who has hit .306 in the minors with some major league success. A solid defender with good speed, the University of Tennessee product wouldn’t cost the Astros anything on a waiver claim.

Whether or not the Astros pick up Borbon, look for the next roster move soon. Fernando Martinez is rehabbing at Oklahoma City, where he’s played three games this week, hitting third. The Redhawks were rained out Wednesday, but FMart should be back in the lineup Thursday.

If both Borbon and FMart are in Houston sometime next week, a shuffle could ensue. By the end of next week, the Astros’ outfield could be made over with Justin Maxwell in center, flanked by FMart and Borbon.

So who would go? The team would need to make corresponding moves, including the 40-man roster if Borbon is added. Probably too early for the Astros to give up on Rick Ankiel, so who would head to OKC? J.D. Martinez? Brandon Barnes? Would the Astros demote Brett Wallace and go with an unorthodox five infielders and six outfielders? It could still mean a decision on either Ankiel, J.D. Martinez or Barnes.

What’s all the hoopla about Nate Freiman anyway? That one home run he hit against Houston is his only highlight for the 2013 season thus far. Yes, Oakland will pick its spots to sneak him into the lineup (he played in only one of three games against Houston this week) but will that .176/.211/.353 line be enough to keep him on the major league roster the entire season?

For what it’s worth, Jose Altuve leads all AL second baseman with 23 hits and a .365 average and he’s one of only two AL second basemen with a .400+ OBP (.412).

And, here’s some day-off either/or for your consideration:

Nate Freiman or Chris Carter?

If Borbon is picked up, who goes down? J.D., Barnes or Wallace (I know your first pick to go is Ankiel, so purposely didn’t include him).

Erik Bedard: Done or bounce back?

Which player are you more prepared to eat your words about: Maxwell, Marwin Gonzalez, or Carter?

The one-that-got-away who will most likely come back to haunt the Astros: Jed Lowrie, Justin Ruggiano, Freiman, or J.A. Happ?

Baseball Prospectus is still foreseeing slim — okay zippo — playoff odds for the Astros, but they’re still hanging onto the 66-win probability for Houston. Simple question here. After watching 15 games, will the Astros avoid the third straight 100-loss season? Yes or no?